Is a Carbon Tax on the Agenda For New Mexico?

January 7, 2020

An environmental organization’s profile of New Mexico says a “transportation sector carbon fee” is being looked at for New Mexico’s upcoming legislative session.

According to the group Climate Xchange, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is a leader in the climate change movement and members of her administration will participate in a webinar for the group. If you examine New Mexico’s profile on the group’s website, it notes “advocates are also looking at a transportation-sector carbon fee for the 2020 legislative session.”

New Mexico is set to enjoy a massive budget surplus for the second year in a row thanks to the energy industry. The extra income is so substantial that Governor Lujan Grisham is proposing an increase of more than 8% in state spending next year.

Last year, New Mexicans expressed displeasure in a budget that contained tax increases while the state enjoyed a record surplus. They likely will also be less than pleased with a proposed carbon fee.